Procedures in welcoming a newborn - I am not sure whether it is required that the babies hair to be shaved completely off to the skin or ...

You state you want the best for your child when he/she is born. Surely, there can never be anything better than the guidance and practice of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).

He advised the removing of the hair of the new born child. He also practiced upon that. It is for this reason, the practice is regarded as Mustahabb (desirable) as it has many benefits. The removing of the hair of a new born child should be done by an experienced person. To the best of our knowledge and experience, removing the hair does not develop sores.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

It order to obtain blessings the following should be done:

? The afterbirth (placenta) and navel cord should be buried with due care since they are parts of the human body.
? Upon birth: the newly born child should be given a proper Ghusl. ? Thereafter, the first words to reach the child's ears should be the message of the Greatness and Oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). This is done by giving Adhaan near the right ear and Iqaamat close to the left ear (this noble act should be preferably be done by an Áalim or a pious elder of the family). If such a person is not immediately available then any Muslim male may conduct this Sunnat.
? To perform Tahneek (placing of a date, softened by chewing on the tongue of the new born baby).
The act of Tahneek should also preferably be done by an Áalim or a pious elder of the family. If such a person is not available then any Muslim male may perform this act. Honey may be a substitute for dates, if dates are not available.
? To give the new born an appropriate name on the 7th day.
? To make Aqeeqa on the 7th day.
? Aqeeqa is a form of Sadaqah whereby the child is safeguarded against misfortunes. Two sheep, alternatively two goats are slaughtered in the case of a male while one goat or one sheep in the case of a female. If for some reason Aqeeqa was not made on the 7th day, then it should be done on the 14th, 21st 28th or any day in multiples of 7 thereafter. The sooner the Aqeeqa is performed the better.
? It is Mustahabb to remove the baby's hair on the 7th day after birth - gold alternatively silver equivalent to the weight of the removed hair may be given as charity to the poor otherwise its equivalent value in money. The hair should be buried with due care and respect.
? To prescribe Salaat to the children when they are seven years of age. ? To chastise them if they don't perform Salaat when they are 10 years of age. One is reminded here of the separating of males from that of females when the child turns ten years of age.